FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A 17-year-old has been sentenced to five years in prison for bringing a loaded firearm onto school property earlier this year, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Anthony Orion Dalton, 17, was sentenced on October 8 in connection with the April incident at Franklin County High School.

Dalton received a total of nine years of incarceration, with four years suspended, leaving five active years to serve.

Tried as an adult, Dalton will remain at the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center until he turns 18, after which he will be transferred to an adult facility to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Authorities said the case underscores the severe consequences of bringing a firearm onto school grounds.

Quick action by school staff and school resource deputies helped prevent what officials described as a potentially tragic situation.

“This sentencing reflects the severity of the offense and reinforces that weapons have no place in our schools,” said Sheriff Bill Overton. “Our School Resource Deputies play a critical role in maintaining the safety of our campuses, and their quick response—along with that of our school partners—made all the difference that day.”

The sheriff’s office encouraged the continued communication between parents, students, and law enforcement, reminding families to discuss the dangers and lifelong consequences of bringing weapons to school.

Officials also emphasized the importance of the “See something, say something” message saying that the individual who reported the firearm allowed deputies and school officials to act quickly to ensure the safety of students and staff.

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